Cultivating new leaders who will make a positive difference in our community.

Who We Are

Our Mission

Catapult inspires underserved youth to discover and develop their emerging leadership potential.

About Catapult Leadership Society

We cultivate new leaders who will make a positive difference in communities across Nova Scotia by focusing on students with natural leadership skills but whose life circumstances may create barriers to achieving their potential. Our world-class program inspires and empowers Nova Scotia high school students to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, our society ensures sustainability of our programs so we can continue to serve, support and empower our promising student leaders through high school into post-secondary education and/or the workforce.

We are committed to providing a welcoming environment that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our students.  We believe our differences create a stronger Catapult; through diverse perspectives, we advance our mission of developing strong leaders for every community across Nova Scotia.

Our History

Catapult was established in 2009 based on the exclusive leadership camps offered by Village Camps International in Geneva. Catapult targets youth who (1) have demonstrated natural leadership qualities and (2) face financial need or other socio-economic barriers to success. Our 3-year program is designed to inspire and empower our students to become student leaders in high school while also shaping a community conscience.

Our program offerings include our signature Catapult Camp, Catapult Plus for high school alumni, Alumni Conferences for post-secondary and much more.

Learn more about the what we do.

Our Board

Comprised of individuals with a shared vision, our Board Members are committed to helping students succeed. Their combined skills bring a wealth of executive and professional experience, leadership attributes and education in student development and growth.

Board Members:

• Kevin Duffie, MEd, BSc - Chair

• Ken MacDonald, CPA, CA - Vice Chair

• Marlene Nicholson – Treasurer

• Margot Cameron, CPA, CA - Secretary

• Mike Mansfield, MSW, BA

• Mary Navas, BComm

• Scott Pickup, BA, LLB

• Abbey Duinker, MA, B.R.M.C.D

• Jane Roy, MSM, FCPA, FCA – Founder and Honourary Chair

• Lori Coughlin , BComm – Executive Director

Alumni Youth Representatives:

• Kayley Dixon, Catapult 2016

• Tarelle Sterling, Catapult 2020

Our Partners

Founding Sponsor

Erdene Resource Development Corp. and Morien Resources Corp.

Our Generous Investors

• Acadia University

• Bell Aliant

• Bloom Wealth and Legacy Planning

• Brien Family Foundation

• Bruce Towler & Judy Steele

• The Craig Foundation

• Canadian Progress Club - Halifax Citadel

• David & Nina Hoffman

• Don & Shelly Clow

• The Durland Learning Foundation

• Fred & Edith Green Foundation

• Grant Thornton Foundation

• Halifax Youth Foundation

• The Hewitt Foundation

• J & W Murphy Foundation

• Ken and Pam MacDonald

• Philip & Judith Webster

• R. Howard Webster Foundation

• River Philip Foundation

• Robert & Kathy Richardson

• The Stevens Family Foundation

• The Sobey Foundation

Catapult Camp Donors

• CIBC Children’s Foundation

• Compass Commercial Realty

• Guildfords Group of Companies

• Hayden Realty

• John & Jane Roy

• Labatt Breweries

• McInnes Cooper

• Namslas

• NSCC Foundation

• Office Interiors

• Protocase

• Stella Balfour

• Wade Keller

• West Nova Fuels